Presentation: Climate Change, heat and health - where to from here?

Presenter: Dr Nicole Vargas has a keen interest in investigating the mechanisms contributing to vulnerability to extreme heat from a physiological, behavioural, motivational, socioeconomic and cultural perspective. The intersection of these different disciplines is invaluable in framing and providing protection to the public during extreme heat events. She maintains collaborative networks as a Research Affiliate with the University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH), and as a member of the Steering Committee and EMCR Committee of the Heat and Health Research Incubator at the University of Sydney. Dr Vargas was also an ANU chosen mentee for the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Program for 2022-2023.

Abstract: Extreme heat is a threat to humans across the globe. Despite efforts to provide early warning systems and protection for individuals, we still see increased morbidity and mortality during extreme heat events, especially in geographical locations most at risk. My research focuses on identifying and understanding factors that can modulate risk to heat stress at the physiological and behavioural level. In this presentation I will give an overview of my research program, discuss current and potential future projects, and highlight equipment that is available in the laboratory I have developed in JCSMR with the aim to build further collaborations within SMP, the broader college and ACT Health communities..